Two men appear in court after £500k cannabis farm unearthed in Hawick

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 6th Oct 2023
Last updated 6th Oct 2023

Two men have appeared in court following the discovery of a cannabis farm at the former Buccleuch Hotel in Hawick.

Almir Cahani, who's 30, and 40-year-old Dritan Katana, are both accused of being involved in the production and supply of a controlled drug.

They also face further charges of breaching the Electricity Act and culpable and reckless conduct.

The pair - whose address was given as No Fixed Abode - made no plea when they appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

They were committed for further examination and remanded in custody. They are expected to appear in court again within the next eight days.

The former Buccleuch Hotel in Trinity Street, Hawick, was sealed off by police tape.

Officers raided the hotel in Hawick's Trinity Street shortly after 9am on Thursday.

Speaking following the discovery, Inspector Robbie Noble, from Police Scotland, said: “We remain committed to disrupting the illicit supply of drugs in our communities and we will use every tool and resource at our disposal to remove these illegal substances from our streets.

“Information from the public is vital. If you have any information or concerns about drugs misuse or wider criminality in your area, please contact us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

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